How it works
To divide by a fraction, turn it over and multiply.
3/5 ÷ 5/6 = 3/5 × 6/5 = 18/25.
To divide by a whole number, divide the bottom by it: 7/8 ÷ 3 = 7/24.
Worked examples
A fraction by a fraction
- 3/5 ÷ 5/6.
- Turn 5/6 over and multiply: 3/5 × 6/5.
- 3 × 6 = 18 and 5 × 5 = 25, so 18/25.
A fraction by a whole number
- 7/8 ÷ 3.
- Dividing by 3 is multiplying by 1/3.
- 7/8 × 1/3 = 7/24.
A story
- A ribbon is 3/5 yard long and is cut into pieces 1/4 yard long.
- 3/5 ÷ 1/4 = 3/5 × 4 = 12/5.
- 12/5 is 2 2/5 pieces.
A taste of the worksheet
These are the first problems of set A. The printable sheet has many more, with an answer key.
- The bar shows 3/4 of a cup of rice. Each scoop is 1/4 cup. How many scoops can you fill? ___
- The bar shows 2/3 of a cup. Each spoon holds 1/6 cup. 2/3 ÷ 1/6 = ___ spoons
- 3/4 ÷ 1/8 = ___
- Turn it over and multiply. Which is the same as 2/5 ÷ 1/3?
- 2/5 ÷ 1/3 = ___ (write an improper fraction)